Make plans now to enjoy the show and the snow at the 48th annual McCall Winter Carnival, which happens Jan. 25-Feb. 3. The fun ranges from snowshoe golf and a longest beard contest to a polar plunge and spectacular fireworks over Lake Payette.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Children’s Torchlight Parade launches the festivities at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 25. Children 11 and younger will light up the night with glow sticks and lead the crowd to Depot Park for the opening ceremony, bonfire and fireworks.

• Party on the streets at noon Jan. 26 for the annual Mardi Gras Parade. It’s filled with masked characters, floats, bands and Mardi Gras beads to hoard.

• Watch skilled artists with chisels and chain saws create beautiful and jaw-dropping artworks at the Idaho State Championship Snow Sculpting competition. They will start at 10 a.m. Jan. 29 and work around the clock until 10 a.m. Feb. 1, when judging starts.

• The ice skating show returns as McCall Starz on Ice presents “The Magic of Broadway,” staring Olympic bronze medalist Jozef “Jumpin’ Joe” Sabovcik and a cast of professional and community skaters. It’s at the Manchester Ice and Event Centre, 8 p.m. Feb. 1 and 2. Tickets are $20 general, $10 for 12 and younger, $40 for VIP ($289 per table of eight) at (208) 634-3570.

• The Barley Brothers Winter Ale Festival is back with dozens of dark, rich porters, stouts and seasonal brews to enjoy from noon to 9 p.m. Feb. 2 at the Alpine Village. It’s $25 per person in advance at Brewforia.com, $30 at the gate.

Look for more Carnival information in the Jan. 25 and Feb. 1 editions of the Idaho Statesman.

Dana Oland